Lion of Belfort (Montreal) facts for kids
| Le lion de Belfort | |
The monument in 2017
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| Coordinates | 45°29′58.7688″N 73°34′13.2456″W / 45.499658000°N 73.570346000°W |
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| Location | Dorchester Square |
| Designer |
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| Type | Sculpture |
| Material | Granite |
| Opening date | May 24, 1897 |
| Dedicated to | Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee |
The Lion of Belfort (French: Le lion de Belfort) is a famous monument located in Dorchester Square in Downtown Montreal. This impressive statue is a symbol of peace and safety for the city.
About the Lion of Belfort Monument
The Lion of Belfort is a large statue of a lion. It looks like a British Imperial Lion, resting calmly. The lion faces east, looking towards France and the United Kingdom. Its calm and alert look suggests that the city of Montreal is safe.
Who Created This Monument?
The lion statue was carved by a sculptor named George William Hill. He was inspired by another famous statue called the Lion of Belfort in Belfort, France. That original lion was created by Frédéric Bartholdi. Bartholdi is also famous for designing the Statue of Liberty!
The strong granite base of the Montreal statue was designed by Robert Findlay. He was an architect from Scotland who lived in Montreal.
Why Was the Lion Built?
The Lion of Belfort monument was officially opened on May 24, 1897. It was placed on the eastern side of Dorchester Square. This monument was built to celebrate a very special event: Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. A "Diamond Jubilee" marks 60 years of a monarch's rule.
The monument was first part of a fountain. This fountain was set up by the Sun Life Assurance Company. This happened before the big Sun Life Building was constructed nearby.
